PROGRAM · The 2017 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals that trust is in crisis around the world. Trust in all four key institutions - business, government, NGOs, and media - has declined

16 - 17 October 2017

B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S C O C K TA I L R E C E P T I O NMonday 16 October 2017Mural HallParliament House, Canberra

B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S S U M M I TTuesday 17 October 2017James O Fairfax Theatre National Gallery of Australia, Canberra

Principal Sponsor of the Business Leaders Cocktail Reception and Summit

PROGRAM

PROGRAM16 - 17 October 2017

Welcome to the Australian Chamber’s third annual Business Leaders Summit. The Australian Chamber’s vision is to make Australia the best place in the world to do business – so that Australians have the jobs, living standards and opportunities to which they aspire.

Today’s event is focused firmly on the future of our economy and how business can contribute to achieving the policy settings that will deliver on our vision. We will explore important issues in health, education and skills, finance and workplace relations, and the opportunities presented by the digital economy. In the context of low public trust in institutions, we will consider how business can help build trust and influence public debate.

Today we have been honoured with exceptional panellists and speakers from across the political spectrum and from both the public and private sectors. I encourage you to ask questions and engage with thought leaders and decision makers throughout the day. This summit reflects the breadth and depth of the Australian Chamber, the nation’s largest and most representative business network representing more than 300,000 enterprises employing more than four million people. Membership of our Business Leaders Council continues to grow. It shows that Australian businesses want the opportunity to engage with decision makers to argue the case for better public policy to make Australia more competitive. I am delighted to welcome each of you and thank you for joining us today.

I look forward to a rewarding day of discussion.

Yours sincerely

James PearsonChief Executive Officer

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR

WELCOME


B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S C O C K TA I L R E C E P T I O NMonday 16 October 2017Mural Hall, Australian Parliament House, Canberra6.00pm - 8.00pm

Hon Ed Husic MPShadow Minister for Employment Services, Workforce Participation

and the Future of Work

Join parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, the Australian Chamber Board, national industry association CEOs, business leaders and special guests at the Australian Chamber Business Leaders Summit Cocktail Reception.

During the event we will discuss and celebrate small business success and innovation.

GUEST SPEAKERS


Hon Michael McCormack MPMinister for Small Business

For more information contact:

Zoe Callaghan | Communications and Events CoordinatorP: 03 9668 9977 E: [email protected]


OFFICIAL WELCOME

Terry Wetherall, President, Australian Chamber

OPENING ADDRESS

Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs

PANEL | What does the new generation of financial services look like? Australia’s major banks have fallen out of favour with voters and are being targeted for tax and regulation by both sides of politics. Nonetheless the financial services sector remains crucial to economic growth as households and businesses depend on them to bankroll their investments. What is the future of Australia’s financial services sector and what are the limitations holding it back? What role will developments like blockchain and peer-to-peer lending have on the sector?

B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S S U M M I TTuesday 17 October 2017James O Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra8.00am - 5.30pm

PROGRAM

Wendy Machin Chair, Customer Owned Banking

Association

Hon Anna Bligh ACCEO, Australian Bankers’

Association

James Pearson (Moderator)CEO, Australian Chamber

Shane Tregillis Chief Ombudsman

Financial Ombudsman Service


Morning Tea

PANEL | How can we build Australia’s skill base for the jobs that lie ahead? A worrying decline in apprenticeships over the past five years means that many employers are struggling to find staff with the right skills for the job. Meanwhile the vocational education and training sector is struggling to retain the confidence of employers, educators and students. What do we need to give our young people the skills they need for the jobs of the future? What role can employers play in creating opportunities? How can skilled migration help to complement Australian workers in areas of skills shortages?

PANEL | How can we make the Fair Work Act more fair? The Fair Work Act governs the way our workplaces function, but many employers and employees are finding the system does not work for them. As both sides of the industrial debate see a need to modernise the workplace relations framework, it’s time to explore changes to the Fair Work Act. How can the Fair Work Act be changed to improve Australia’s sluggish productivity growth? How can it better facilitate enterprise agreements while maintaining a safety net to protect the vulnerable and how can it stay relevant in the era of the gig economy?

Craig RobertsonCEO, TAFE Directors Australia

Jenny Lambert (Moderator)Director, Employment, Education and Training, Australian Chamber

Hon Karen Andrews MPAssistant Minister for Vocational

Education and Skills

Senator the Hon Doug CameronShadow Minister for Skills

and Apprenticeships

Linda BrownCEO, Laureate Australia

Natalie JamesFair Work Ombudsman

Hon Brendan O’Connor MPShadow Minister for

Employment and Training

Russell ZimmermanExecutive Director, Australian

Retailers Association

Nigel Ward (Moderator)CEO & Director, Australian

Business Lawyers & Advisors


LUNCH | How does business advocate in the era of falling trust? The 2017 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals that trust is in crisis around the world. Trust in all four key institutions - business, government, NGOs, and media - has declined broadly. With the fall of trust, there is a belief that the overall system is not working for them. People’s societal and economic concerns turn into fears, spurring the rise of populist actions now playing out in several democracies. To rebuild trust, institutions must step outside their traditional roles and work toward a more integrated operating model putting people - and addressing their fears - at the centre of everything they do.

CONNECTED SMALL BUSINESSES | Why digital engagement has become a critical ingredient to Australian small business success As Australians increasingly live online, digital engagement has become a critical ingredient to small business success. New research by Deloitte Access Economics and Google Australia reveals new insights into the digital capability of small businesses from across the nation. How is the Australian SMB sector performing online, what is the imperative and how does an Australian SMB stand out in an increasingly global, digital marketplace?

Steve SpurrCEO, Edelman Australia

Megan Motto (Facilitator)Chief Executive Officer,

Consult Australia


Jason PellegrinoManaging Director, Google Australia and New Zealand

John O’MahonyPartner, Deloitte Access

Economics


PANEL | How can truth-tellers be heard in an era of fake news? More than a decade ago John Howard asked voters “Who do you trust?” and now media organisations are asking people the same question. As consumers increasingly head online for news and information, voices with a questionable commitment to the truth are proliferating. What does the growth of “fake news” mean for public debate? What is the future of political reporting in Australia and what does this mean for business?

Afternoon Tea

PANEL | How can our health system help people have a good life, not just a long life? Australians born today can expect to live well into their 80s, but the cost of maintaining a high quality of life throughout those years is becoming more expensive. How will technology – used in prevention, diagnosis and treatment – impact on our encounters with the health system? What policy changes do we need to keep our health system sustainable?

David QuiltyExecutive Director, The Pharmacy

Guild of Australia

Milton CatelinCEO, Medicines Australia

Ian BurgessCEO, Medical Technology Association of Australia

Mark CormackDeputy Secretary,

Department of Health

Sarah Butler (Moderator)National Health Leader, PwC

Kieran GilbertChief Political Reporter,

Sky News Australia

Hon Julie Bishop MP

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ian Parry-Okeden (Moderator)Canberra Manager

Isentia

Sabra LanePresenter, “AM”, Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Nicholas CampbellChairman, CapitalHill Advisory

Miranda DevineLeading Columnist, The Daily

Telegraph and Herald Sun

SPEAKERS16 - 17 October 2017

HON MICHAEL MCCORMACK MP, MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Michael McCormack is Australia’s Small Business Minister, aswell as being the Federal Member for Riverina, one of the country’s largest electorates.

Mr McCormack has ministerial responsibility for the nation’s 3.2 small businesses. More than 5½ million Australians – half of the nation’s workforce – are employed in the small business sector which contributes more than $380 billion annually to Australia’s gross domestic product.

Born and educated in Wagga Wagga, Mr McCormack owned and operated a local small business after more than a decade editing The Daily Advertiser newspaper.

Mr McCormack is married to Catherine and they have three children.

HON ED HUSIC MP, SHADOW MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

Based in Western Sydney, Ed Husic was elected to the House of Representatives as the Federal Member for Chifley in 2010. Currently in his third term, he was re-elected to Parliament in 2016.

Before entering Parliament, he held a number of roles within the public and private sector including National President of the Communications, Electrical, Plumbing Union. Prior to this he was employed with Integral Energy (now Endeavour Energy); a major national energy retailer and NSW based electricity distributor.

After the 2016 election Ed was promoted to the front bench as Shadow Minister for Employment Services, Workforce Participation and the Future of Work, as well as Shadow Minister for the Digital Economy.

During the previous term of Parliament Ed was appointed Deputy Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics and held the position of Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Treasurer.

In 2015 Ed was promoted to Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition Assisting with Digital Innovation and Startups – the first time startups were acknowledged in a ministerial or shadow ministerial line-up. His policy focus was

examining ways to boost the growth of startups and digital entrepreneurship as a vehicle for enhancing economic activity and productivity.

Ed has engaged in digital economy issues as a member of the House of Representatives Infrastructure and Communications Standing Committee and as Deputy Chair of the Joint Select Committee on the National Broadband Network.

He established the Federal Parliamentary Labor Digital Economy Group, which brought together policy makers and industry on matters affecting the sector.

In the former Labor Government, Ed held the positions of Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Parliamentary Secretary for Broadband.

He has been part of the Federal Opposition’s team developing policies to promote early stage and digital innovation.

Ed graduated from the University of Western Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts (Applied Communications).


Julie Bishop is the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Australia’s Federal Coalition Government. She is also the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and has served as the Member for Curtin in the House of Representatives since 1998.

Minister Bishop was sworn in as Australia’s first female Foreign Minister on 18 September 2013 following four years in the role of Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

As Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Bishop has overseen the single largest expansion of Australia’s overseas diplomatic presence in 40 years, introduced the New Colombo Plan to support Australian undergraduate students to study and undertake internships in the Indo-Pacific region, and established the innovationXchange within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to develop bold and creative solutions to long standing development challenges.

She has strengthened Australia’s key strategic and economic relationships and enhanced Australia’s engagement with Pacific Island countries, including normalising relations with Fiji, leading international recovery and reconstruction efforts in Vanuatu and establishing a school of government in Papua New Guinea.Minister Bishop promoted Australia’s interests at the United

Nations Security Council, playing a lead role in the international response to the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine.

She previously served as a Cabinet Minister in the Howard Government as Minister for Education, Science and Training and as the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women’s Issues. Prior to this, Minister Bishop was Minister for Ageing.

Minister Bishop has also served on a number of parliamentary and policy committees including as Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.

Before entering Parliament Minister Bishop was a commercial litigation lawyer at Perth firm Clayton Utz, becoming a partner in 1985, and managing partner in 1994.

Minister Bishop graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide in 1978 and attended Harvard Business School in Boston in 1996, completing the Advanced Management Program for Senior Managers.

HON JULIE BISHOP MP, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

TERRY WETHERALL, PRESIDENT, AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER

Terry Wetherall is a Past President of NSW Business Chamber and was elected to the Board in November 2007. In 2015 he was elected to the Presidency of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Terry continues to operate his consultancy business, TCW Consulting, and has over 25 years experience in providing a range of specialist town planning and property advice services.

He has held numerous senior positions in the Illawarra, including President of the Wollongong Chamber of Commerce and President of the Illawarra Business Chamber.

He is a member of various professional associations, including the Australian Property Institute (API), Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST). Terry is a respected opinion leader within the property industry, particularly for his understanding of regional issues.

Other positions held:

- Deputy Chair, CareSuper - Board Member of NSW Business Chamber - Director of TCW Consulting and CARE Super - Justice of the Peace - Member of the Planning Institute of Australia - Member of the Australian Property Institute


HON ANNA BLIGH AC, CEO, AUSTRALIAN BANKERS’ ASSOCIATION

Anna Bligh is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Bankers’ Association. Her priorities include strengthening the culture in banking and delivering the right outcomes for customers.

Anna has had a long and distinguished career in politics, and was the Premier of Queensland for almost five years until March 2012. She was also Deputy Premier and Treasurer of Queensland and held ministerial responsibilities in Education, Social Welfare, Arts, Economic and State Development and Infrastructure.

Anna’s leadership came to national and international attention as she led the response and recovery effort to devastating floods in Queensland in January 2011.

Prior to joining the ABA, Anna was the CEO of YWCA NSW, a not-for-profit organisation striving to build a safer world for women and children with programs and services dedicated to ending domestic violence.

In recognition of her eminent service to the Parliament of Queensland, and as an advocate for education, the role of women in public life and services to the not-for-profit sector, Anna received a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia award in the 2017 Australia Day Honours list.Anna holds Honorary Doctorates from the University of Queensland and Griffith University.

Anna Bligh is a non-executive director of Medibank Private and Bangarra Dance Company.

WENDY MACHIN, CHAIR, CUSTOMER OWNED BANKING ASSOCIATION

Wendy Machin is non-executive Director and has served on several Boards over the past 15 years in the government, not-for-profit and private sector. Wendy is currently Chair of the Customer Owned Banking Association, Chair of the NSW Crown Holiday Parks Trust and Chair of ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program). She is also a Director of Destination NSW and the NSW Forestry Coporation. She retired at the conclusion of her 12 year term as an NRMA Director in March 2017. In that time she served as President for 6 years and also served as a Director of the Australian Automobile Association (AAA).

Wendy Machin was the first woman National Party MP in the NSW Legislative Assembly. Between 1985 and 1996 she served as a Cabinet Minister (Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport), a Shadow Minister and as Deputy Speaker of the House. Wendy has run her own consulting business and has also worked in-house in a range of companies and industry associations. Her early career was in public relations.

She was the Deputy Chair of the Australian Republican Movement from 1998 to 2000 and a delegate to the 1999 Constitutional Convention. In the past she has served on the ANZ Stadium Advisory Board, the Boards of Save the Children and the National Council for Prevention of Child Abuse. For 4 years from 2004 Wendy was a Member of the Migration and Refugee Review Tribunal.

Wendy owns and operates beef cattle properties in the Manning Valley. She has a strong interest in disability services, and is married with 3 adult children.

She was born and raised in the small mid north coast town of Wingham in a sawmilling family. Wendy holds a Bachelor (Communications) from UTS and a Master of Commerce from UNSW.


JAMES PEARSON, CEO, AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER

James leads Australia’s largest and most representative business network.

He has held senior roles in Federal and State governments and led corporate affairs for large public companies. At the same time, he supported his partner in their small family business.

As a diplomat and trade negotiator, he represented Australia in Africa, the Pacific and China.

James is an advocate for employers across the country and campaigns for policies to encourage entrepreneurship and enterprise.

James has a MBA from Victoria’s Deakin University, an Honours Degree in Science from the University of Western Australia and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

He is married with three adult children, is a keen sailor and supports the Fremantle Dockers in the AFL.

HON KAREN ANDREWS MP, ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS

The Hon. Karen Andrews MP was first elected to federal parlia-ment in 2010 to represent the electorate of McPherson on the southern Gold Coast. McPherson covers an area of approxi-mately 230 sq km from Coolangatta in the south to Clear Island Waters and Merrimac in the north, and west to Mudgeeraba and Tallebudgera Valley. Mrs Andrews was re-elected at the 2013 election and again in 2016. She has held the following portfolios in the Coalition Government: - December 2014 - promoted to Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science

- September 2015 – Assistant Minister for Industry and Science

- Since July 2016 – Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills

Mrs Andrews is focused on raising the status of VET and ensuring it provides people with the skills industry is looking for to secure the jobs of the future.

Mrs Andrews is a long term resident of the southern Gold Coast and brings her experience in engineering, industrial relations and running her own business to her position as the Member for McPherson. Her qualifications include a BEng(Mech)(Queens-land University of Technology), GradDip in Industrial Relations (Victoria University) and a Certificate in Mediation (Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia).

Mrs Andrews co-founded and co-Chairs Parliamentary Friends of Science, which seeks to promote closer engagement between the scientific community and political representatives, and is the Vice-Chair of Parliamentary Friends of Taiwan. Mrs Andrews is a strong supporter of the not-for-profit sector and its contribution to local communities and is patron of a number of organisations.

SHANE TREGILLIS, CHIEF OMBUDSMAN, FINANCIAL OMBUDSMAN SERVICE

Shane started as Chief Ombudsman at the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) on 12 September 2011. He has more than 25 years’ experience in senior regulatory roles in Australia and Singapore.

Shane was Commissioner at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) from May 2010 to August 2011. Shane was at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) from November 2001 to March 2010. He was Deputy Managing Director (Market Conduct) of MAS, where he was responsible for capital market and business conduct regulation in Singapore and also Chair of the Financial Education Steering Committee.

He has been actively engaged in international regulatory developments, including co-chair of both the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and Committee on Payment and Settlement Systems (CPSS) Joint task Force on securities settlement systems.

Shane holds Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Laws and Master of Commerce degrees.


SENATOR THE HON DOUG CAMERON, SHADOW MINISTER FOR SKILLS AND APPRENTICESHIPS

Doug Cameron was born in Bellshill in Scotland, in 1951. He is married to Elaine and has two daughters, Lynn and Fiona and two grandchildren, Amy and Scott.

Doug has worked as a fitter in the steel, ship repair, vehicle and power industries. He was elected by manufacturing workers to represent them in various positions in the union including Delegate, full-time organiser, Assistant State Secretary, Assistant National Secretary, National Secretary AMWU, State and National Secretary Metal Trades Federation of Unions, Vice President ACTU.

Doug Cameron has been a long-term patron of the Asbestos Diseases Foundation, a Director of Australian Super, and under the Keating government was a member of the Australian Best Practice Committee. As a director of Australian Super and its predecessor STA he has worked with union and employer representatives to build Australian Super into a 1.3 million members fund with 100,000 employers and $28 billion under management. Australian Super was named “fund of the year” in 2007.

Doug Cameron has played a key role in developing industrial and political strategies designed to improve employment security, wages, and skill and industry development in the manufacturing industry. He has been at the centre of ACTU and AMWU campaigns on workers entitlements, health and safety, work and family balance and the right to collectively bargain.

Doug was elected to the Senate at the 2007 federal election, and took up his position on July 1 2008. He lives in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, and runs his electorate office in Springwood -- offering Labor representation to the people of the federal electorate of Macquarie.

Much of Doug’s work in the Senate is focused on the Senate Committees, which analyse government process and expenditure. He is the Chair of the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee.

LINDA BROWN, CEO, LAUREATE AUSTRALIA

Linda was appointed CEO Laureate Australia on 1 July 2014. Linda, who has served as CEO Think Education since 1 May 2013, has more than 23 years of management experience in the education sector in Australia and the United Kingdom. Her background is diverse, incorporating leadership experience in the areas of private, public, government, social enterprise, commercial and education. Prior to joining Think Education, Linda was Deputy Vice Chancellor and Director TAFE at Swinburne University, Melbourne where she was responsible for maximizing the Dual sector advantage, driving the sustainability and social inclusion strategies across the University and managing the TAFE Division. She was part of the Senior Executive team which facilitated a highly successful joint venture between SEEK and Swinburne to create Swinburne Online. Previously, Linda held the position of Director of Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE where

she amalgamated three TAFEs in Brisbane and was a senior Queensland Government executive with the Department of Education, Training and the Arts.

Her global business and educational experience includes Corporate CEO, Futures Stockbroker, Managing Director, Dartington, UK and Director of Stoke-on-Trent FE College. Linda was also part of the UK Government’s rapid response team for the Further Education Funding Council, utilised to turn around failing colleges, and was part of the UK ‘think tank’ on education as a global business. Linda has represented Australia for six years at APEC Women Leaders’ Conference in Asia Pacific and was identified by Management Today as one of “25 Australian women to watch”.


Craig Robertson commenced as CEO of TAFE Directors Australia in April 2017. The organisation promotes nationally and internationally the critical role that TAFEs play in tertiary education in Australia. TAFEs are core providers of vocational training and further education as a pathway to higher level training and education, and partner with industry and business to develop their workforces and assist in implementing with new production processes and services. On behalf of its members TDA also works with global multi-lateral organisations, and with overseas governments and their industry and provider representatives to assist in the deployment of training and workforce development to enhance economic capabilities.

Prior to joining TDA Craig worked in the Victorian Government in 2015 and 2016 with responsibilities for the operation of vocational education and working with Victorian universities. During this time the Victorian Government implemented a new approach to vocational education and training with a priority on quality delivery with funding aligned with the expected costs of delivery. Central to the reform was dedicated public funding which recognised the unique role TAFEs play in tertiary

education and workforce development across the state, as well as to support outreach to businesses and industry to support innovation and productivity improvements in their production models.

Craig also worked for over 30 years in the Commonwealth Government with responsibilities in national policy and program delivery relating to employment services, funding for schools and most aspects of vocational education and training. Craig has represented the Australian Government in G20 meetings of Labour and Employment ministers and the OECD, and bi-laterally with a range of foreign governments. In Australia, Craig has led work at the federal level on joint Commonwealth-State policies and funding agreements, introducing income contingent loan arrangements for the VET sector, instigated apprenticeship reform and reformed regulation policy and VET qualifications. Craig was also an inaugural member of the Australian Qualifications Framework Council formed in 2011.

Craig holds an Executive Masters in Public Administration and Bachelor of Education (Primary).

CRAIG ROBERTSON, CEO, TAFE DIRECTORS AUSTRALIA

Jenny has been serving the business community for over 30 years as a senior manager within industry associations, including 16 years as a CEO of associations largely in the services sector.

Commencing with the Australian Hotels Association as their Industrial & Research Officer in 1984, Jenny then served as Project Manager at Tourism’s Industry Training Advisory Board in the early 1990s.

Jenny took on her first CEO role in 1994 as head of Restaurant & Catering NSW, and then jointly held the NSW and national Restaurant and Catering CEO role until 1999. She has also been CEO of Meetings & Events Australia, Nursery & Garden Industry Australia and the National Tourism Alliance, which is the peak body for tourism associations nationally. She commenced with the Australian Chamber in 2011 and is responsible for policy development and advocacy in vocational training, higher education, schools, employment and migration.

JENNY LAMBERT, DIRECTOR, EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION AND TRAINING, AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER

A belief in education being the cornerstone of national growth and individual development underpinned by the principle of equal opportunity for all, led Mr O’Connor to commence his career in a union. He represented the interests of Victorian workers before becoming Assistant National Secretary of the Australian Services Union (ASU).

He was elected to parliament in 2001 and has since headed several portfolios.

As Minister for Employment Participation, he overhauled the employment services system, streamlining the process to provide a personalised service called Job Services Australia.

As Minister for Home Affairs, one of his many noteworthy achievements includes reforming Australia’s anti-dumping regime to encourage fairer and equitable business practices.

Mr O’Connor went on to serve as Minister for Small Business at Cabinet level, the first time in over ten years that the portfolio had been elevated to such a level. Mr O’Connor worked to cut red tape and support growth and jobs through tax reform, including the $6500 Instant Asset Write-off to assist Australia’s 2.7 million small businesses to improve their cash flows and the introduction of Australia’s first Small Business Commissioner.

In 2013, Mr O’Connor was elevated to Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and finished the term as Minister for Employment, Skills and Training.

Mr O’Connor has degrees in Arts and Law from Monash University and a Diploma in Industrial Relations from Harvard University.

He currently serves as Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations as a member of Bill Shorten’s Labor frontbench team.

HON BRENDAN O’CONNOR MP, SHADOW MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING


Natalie James was appointed to the position Fair Work Ombudsman by the Governor-General for a five year term, starting on 15 July 2013.

Prior to her appointment as Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie was the State Manager of the VictorianEmployment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). In this role she oversaw a range of programs and activities in Victoria for DEEWR, including early childhood, employment services, indigenous employment, education and youth. She held this position for three years.

Natalie had previously worked for 10 years in government in workplace relations, including in senior roles at the Fair Work Ombudsman and as Chief Counsel for workplace relations in DEEWR. During this time she led the drafting of the Fair Work legislation.

Natalie graduated from James Cook University with an Arts Law degree. During this time, she began to develop a curiosity about workplace relations while working in retail and hospitality. When she was accepted as a graduate in Canberra at the then Department of Employment, Education, Science and Technology in 1996, she immediately enrolled in a Masters of Industrial Law at the Australian National University in Canberra.

NATALIE JAMES, FAIR WORK OMBUDSMAN

Since 1980, Russell Zimmerman has owned and operated the Spark’s Shoes retail chain with his wife Marion. Spark’s Shoes is a 75 year old family business specialising in the fitting of children’s footwear.

Russell became a Councillor of the Australian Retailers Association, New South Wales Division in 1995. He held the position of President of the NSW State Division from 2001-03. From 1997 he held the position of state delegate to the Australian Retailers Association National Council. He served as President of the Australian Retailers Association National Council from 2003-04. These positions are held in an honorary capacity.

As National President of the Australian Retailers Association he represented Australian retail at the Federation of Asian Retailers Association in New Zealand, Beijing and Australia.

Being involved in a small business Russell brings a closer perspective of day to day issues as he has been in close contact with staff and customers as well as dealt with the managerial issues of operating and financing a Small Medium Enterprise.

In 2005 Russell became the Chair the Australian Merchants Payment Forum. The Australian Merchants Payment Forum represents merchants in Australia by liaising with the Reserve Bank of Australia, card schemes and other interested parties on all card payment issues.

Due to Russell running his own retail outlets Russell has an overall view of all types of card payment transactions and issues that confront retailers irrespective of size of the merchant from the front of store to the back room workings.

Russell is an active member of the Rotary Club of Beecroft and has held various positions on its board. Russell was honoured with the award of a Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Club of Beecroft in 1990 for service to the community. Russell is a devoted family man, married to Marion. They have a son and a married daughter.

Russell was appointed Executive Director of the ARA on 7 July 2009.

RUSSELL ZIMMERMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AUSTRALIAN RETAILERS ASSOCIATION

Nigel is the CEO of Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors, voted the leading workplace and employment law firm in Australia in 2016 by Lawyers Weekly.

He currently spends his time between running major Full Bench cases for employers usually acting for ACCI, working at the coal face with ABLA clients on major business change or bargaining and leading and building ABLA.

He brings to this event four separate career experiences; a legal practice, a leading employer association, his own small business and working in the ASX top 50.

NIGEL WARD, CEO & DIRECTOR, AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS LAWYERS & ADVISORS


Steve joined Edelman Australia as CEO in March 2016. Having over two decades of consultancy and in-house experience on brand and corporate assignments, prior to that he worked in 6 different Edelman offices. Most recently where he was COO of Edelman UK & Ireland, leading the day-to-day operations of over 600 staff across three offices.

Steve’s consultancy expertise is focused on brand building and re-positioning, influencer programming, and policy and systems change. Steve enjoys being very hands on, providing counsel and advice to some of the most senior people in organisations like Samsung, Shell and Disney. He has recently undertaken advisory work with Bank ANZ and the insurer IAG focused on trust and ongoing social licence to operate.

Steve’s experience ranges from introducing a new vaccine for Sanofi, working with Unilever to reinvent a food brand, wrestling with Captain Morgan, literally, and helping Wrigley build market share in a crowded market.

As Edelman Australia’s CEO, Steve leads an award-winning team of 120 consultants across Sydney and Melbourne, ensuring our clients enjoy the world-class work for which Edelman is renowned.

Combining his passions in economics, anthropology and science drives Steve to deliver ever evolving communications programmes that drive trust between Edelman’s clients and their audiences.

STEVE SPURR, CEO, EDELMAN AUSTRALIA

Megan Motto is the Chief Executive Officer of Consult Australia; the association for professional services firms within the built and natural environment. Megan is also currently a Director of Standards Australia, Treasurer of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, Councillor of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a member of the NSW State Advisory Council for the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA).

A highly sought after contributor to public policy in Australia, Megan is a regular contributor in a wide array of issues, including sustainability, procurement, workplace diversity and infrastructure planning, governance and financing.

In addition to her double teaching degree (BABEd) and Masters in Communication Management, Megan is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Justice of the Peace. She lives in Marrickville with her husband Ringo, and children Kaden and Jada.

MEGAN MOTTO, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CONSULT AUSTRALIA

Jason Pellegrino is Google’s Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand. Prior to this, Jason was responsible for Google’s business strategy and commercial capabilities across the Asia Pacific region.

Jason has been with Google for 8 years in a variety of roles, including Sales Director, Australia and Head of Strategy & Sales Operations for Google’s Australia & New Zealand business. Prior to Google, Jason spent over 15 years in Corporate Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions and Sales & Marketing in retail, technology and consumer product industries with LEK Consulting, PepsiCo International & KPMG.

Jason holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Wollongong and an MBA (Distinction) from The London Business School, where he served as President of the Student Association and as a member of the school’s Board of Governors.

Jason is a member of the Innovation Taskforce of the Business Council of Australia, a member of ASIC’s External Advisory Panel and a Board member of Plan International

JASON PELLEGRINO, MANAGING DIRECTOR, GOOGLE AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

John O’Mahony, Partner, BComm (Hons) (USyd) is a Partner at Deloitte Access Economics in Sydney specialising in digital trends and author of the Report, Connected Small Businesses 2017. John has previously served as senior economic adviser to two Australian Prime Ministers, where he had specific responsibility for communications policy. He has also worked for

the Australian Financial Review, the NSW Government, and in the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Economics and Business. John is the co-author of Australia’s two best-selling high school economics textbooks, Australia in the Global Economy and The Market Economy, published by Pearson.

JOHN O’MAHONY, PARTNER, DELOITTE ACCESS ECONOMICS


Kieran Gilbert is Chief Political Reporter for SKY NEWS, co-anchor of First Edition and anchor of AM Agenda on SKY NEWS LIVE. Kieran is an integral part of the highly respected SKY NEWS Canberra bureau, which is a key source for breaking news out of the nation’s capital. He has earned a reputation as a leading political reporter through his coverage of major news stories including; the Coalition wins at the 2016 and 2013 elections, the 2010 cliff-hanger election and subsequent minority Gillard Government, Kevin Rudd’s 2007 victory and John Howard’s fourth election win in 2004.

In addition to federal politics, Kieran has reported on significant global news events including the Boxing Day tsunami and Barack Obama’s inauguration as the 44th President of the United States. In 2016 Kieran was the recipient of a team Walkley Award for the 2016 SKY NEWS Federal Election coverage. He’s also received a number of other awards including the Department of Foreign Affairs Elizabeth O’Neill Award for journalism and subscription television broadcast journalist of the year.

KIERAN GILBERT, CHIEF POLITICAL REPORTER, SKY NEWS AUSTRALIA

Miranda lived for some years in the United States, where she worked for the Boston Herald as a reporter and feature writer. On returning to Sydney in 1989, Miranda joined The Daily Telegraph as an assistant editor, police reporter and columnist. She also had a stint on exchange with the Sun and Sunday Times in London.

She has a Masters in Journalism from Chicago’s North-Western University, and a Bachelor of Science in Maths from Macquarie University. She also tried first-year architecture at Sydney University and worked at the CSIRO’s Division of Textile Physics before journalism.

MIRANDA DEVINE, LEADING COLUMNIST, THE DAILY TELEGRAPH AND HERALD SUN

Sabra Lane has been covering federal politics in Canberra since 2008 and became the presenter of ABC’s flagship morning radio current affairs program ‘AM’ in 2017.

Before that, Sabra was the Chief Political Correspondent on the nightly TV current affairs flagship 7.30 for more than three years. She’s previously been the Chief Political Correspondent for Radio

Current Affairs, leading federal politics coverage for AM, The World Today and PM.

Before joining the ABC, Sabra was the Executive Producer of the Seven Network’s weekly national news and public affairs program Sunday Sunrise. Sabra began her journalism career in 1989 in Adelaide as a reporter/producer for the Ten Network.

SABRA LANE, PRESENTER, AM, AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION

Nicholas Campbell is one of Australia’s leading advisers, with more than 25 years of Corporate Public Affairs & Strategy experience his career has spanned corporate, government and consultancy.

Over this period he has assisted ASX corporates, NGOs and Associations, providing advice on some on the most highly contested, complex and media sensitive issues, campaigns and financial transactions in Australia.

Nicholas is the Chair of CapitalHill Advisory and Nexus Asia Pacific, consulting firms that specialise in advising organisations in corporate affairs, communications, media, government relations, market access and stakeholder management. The team currently work for many leading corporates, NGOs, and associations in the infrastructure, transport, defense, energy, agriculture and healthcare sectors.

Prior to working in consulting, Nicholas worked for a number of leading corporates as Executive Director of Corporate Affairs & Strategy (ANZ) and Director of Public Affairs & Communications (Asia Pacific). He has also had responsibility for Corporate Strategy, Corporate Marketing, Strategic Planning, Market Access and Market Intelligence functions.

Nicholas previously served in the Howard Government in a number of roles including as a political advisor to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet.

He has tutored and lectured in strategic communication, government, issues management and reputation management Australia, China, Canada and Singapore.

Nicholas was born in Canberra, Australia and lives in Sydney with his wife and family.

NICHOLAS CAMPBELL, CHAIRMAN, CAPITALHILL ADVISORY


Ian has had a long career in newspapers, television and radio, as a journalist for Fairfax and the Nine Network, a columnist for News Corporation and a presenter of public affairs and talkback programs for 2GB and 2UE.

He also writes television documentaries for Foxtel and others, and has a successful business career, founding Media Monitors, now part of the Isentia Group. Ian now manages Isentia’s operations in Canberra.

IAN PARRY-OKEDEN, CANBERRA MANAGER, ISENTIA

David Quilty is Executive Director of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. He commenced in this role on 1 December 2012. Prior to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia appointment, David headed up his own consultancy providing strategic and policy advice to various companies and organisations. David’s previous roles includes various executive roles at Telstra Corporation

and political roles in the Federal Government and Federal Opposition. David has served on a number of boards and has widespread experience dealing with a wide variety of political, media, industry and community stakeholders finding solutions to complex issues. He has a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations.

DAVID QUILTY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE PHARMACY GUILD OF AUSTRALIA

Mark Cormack joined the Department of Health in February 2015 as Deputy Secretary, Strategic Policy and Innovation Group (SPIG). Mark is responsible for strategic national health policy, portfolio strategies and international engagement. His National Programme responsibilities include Primary Health, Mental Health, Public Hospital Funding agreements and dental.

Prior to joining the department Mark was Deputy Secretary of the Immigration Status Resolution Group (ISRG) in the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) from August 2013 – January 2015. ISRG is responsible for managing and resolving the immigration status of people who do not have legal authority to be in Australia or who are in breach of their visa conditions. The group is also responsible for the onshore detention network, community detention, bridging visa programmes, and the department’s compliance and removals functions. In addition, the group works with other countries to implement offshore processing and refugee settlement. Mark was the Department’s senior executive responsible for implementation of Operation Sovereign Borders.

Prior to joining DIBP, Mark was appointed the first Chief Executive Officer of Health Workforce Australia (HWA) in January 2010. HWA was a Commonwealth Statutory Authority,

established by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) which planned, funded, researched and delivered programmes to enhance and develop Australia’s health workforce.

From July 2006 to January 2010 Mark was Chief Executive of ACT Health.

Mark has had a number of senior roles in the public healthcare system, including:

- Member, Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC)

- Chair, AHMAC Health Policy Priorities Principal Committee - Board director, National E Health Transition Authority.

Member, Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC)Chair, AHMAC Health Policy Priorities Principal Committee Board director, National E Health Transition Authority.

Mark has worked in and for the public healthcare sector for over 30 years in various capacities as a health professional, senior manager, policy maker, planner, agency head and industry advocate. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science (University of Sydney) and Master of Health Management (University of Wollongong).

MARK CORMACK, DEPUTY SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH


Ian Burgess is currently the CEO of the Medical Technology Association of Australia the national association representing companies in the medical device industry.

Previously, the CEO of the Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch) the peak membership body representing dentists in NSW and the ACT, providing continuing education, member services and advocacy to support dentists and promote oral health.

Ian was CEO of the Ortho Group Pty Limited (OGL) a privately owned health business, comprising orthopaedic and sports medicine consulting and surgery, a hospital and a day surgery, radiology centres and medical supplies businesses.

Between 2007 – 2010 CEO of the Australian Orthopaedic Association Limited (AOA): Membership body representing orthopaedic surgeons, providing specialist training, continuing education and advocacy on behalf of the orthopaedic profession.

He holds an MBA from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Economics from the Australian National University.

He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a non-executive director of Red Nose Ltd and SIDS and Kids (ACT) Ltd.

IAN BURGESS, CEO, MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

Milton Catelin is an Australian who is an experienced CEO and Government & Public Affairs Executive with 35 years’ experience, including 20 years of direct participation in international energy and environmental negotiations, policy and strategy. His extensive career has included positions of leadership at CEO and Board level.

Milton returns to Australia after 13 years, having completed senior assignments as Chief Executive of International Public Affairs (IPA), a policy and government affairs firm in London, Chief Executive of the World Coal Association (WCA), and Chief of Partnerships & Public Affairs with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Geneva.

Before moving to Geneva, Milton had an extensive career in the Australian Public Service. He worked at the forefront of Australian policy on ozone protection and climate change - leading work

on a new Australian ozone protection regime and chairing various international ozone bodies and working as a mem ber of a three person public service team negotiating the terms of the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change. Over his two decades with the public service Milton held positions within the Departments of Prime Minister & Cabinet, Finance, Health and Environment. This extensive career was recognised in 200l when he received the Australian Public Service Award for “significant and sustained contribution to the achievements of Environment Australia“.

Milton ‘s expertise has been highly regarded and sought after around the world and has included positions on expert panels and advisory groups such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Breaking the Deadlock initiative on climate change and as a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Agenda Council on Decarbonising Energy.

MILTON CATELIN, CEO, MEDICINES AUSTRALIA

Sarah Butler is an advisor to executives in the health and insurance sector for Strategy&, PwC’s strategy consulting group. Based in Sydney, she is a partner with PwC Australia. Sarah leads the PwC Australia Health practice including consulting, financial advisory and assurance and works with federal and state health departments, insurers, private sector players, NFPs and industry bodies.

She is Consulting Markets Leader with responsibility for priority clients, sectors and marketing. She also leads PwC’s Asia-Pacific health and insurance strategy practice, supporting clients on cross-border opportunities between Australia and Asia.

Sarah was previously based in Shanghai, China, for 5 years from 2011-2015 where she was Chairman and MD for Strategy& in Greater China and led their Healthcare, Life Sciences and Insurance Strategy practice.

She was also previously a Board Director on the Booz & Company’s global board and Chair of the Audit Committee in the lead up to the combination with PwC. Sarah has worked in Australia/NZ, China/Asia and Europe, supporting clients on strategy, organization, performance improvement and partnerships. She is a recognised thought leader, authoring a range of publications including: Reimagining health reform: Taking a systems approach to health and wellness; Australia’s healthcare system: An opportunity for economic growth; China healthcare 2020 and strategies for the new China landscape.

SARAH BUTLER, NATIONAL HEALTH LEADER, PwC

PROGRAM · The 2017 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals that trust is in crisis around the world. Trust in all four key institutions - business, government, NGOs, and media - has declined

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